Elko National Cemetery: What You Need to Know
The VA dedicated Elko National Cemetery on September 4, 2026—Nevada’s first national cemetery. The 15.37-acre facility will open in late 2026 as the 158th VA cemetery and will serve over 3,700 veterans, spouses, and eligible children within a 75-mile radius. Interments are anticipated to begin in Fall 2026.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit | VA burial benefits at Nevada’s first national cemetery |
| Eligibility | Veterans with honorable discharge, spouses, and eligible children |
| Application | No pre-application required; eligibility determined at time of need |
| Processing Time | Scheduling typically within days of request |
| Official Agency | VA National Cemetery Administration |
| Required Forms | DD-214 or discharge documents |
| Updated For | September 2026 |
What Is Elko National Cemetery?
Elko National Cemetery is Nevada’s first national cemetery operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It spans 15.37 acres and is located at 3602 Jennings Way, Elko, Nevada 89802 .
The cemetery was dedicated on September 4, 2026, with VA Secretary Doug Collins, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, Governor Joe Lombardo, Congressman Mark Amodei, and Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs Sam Brown speaking at the event . Members of the Nevada Army National Guard Honor Guard provided ceremonial support .
Why this matters: Before this cemetery opened, veterans in the Elko region faced drives of over 200 miles to reach the nearest veterans cemeteries in Fernley, Nevada, or Salt Lake City, Utah . The new cemetery provides reasonable access to VA burial benefits for rural veterans who previously lacked this option.
What veterans should do next: Veterans and family members can call VA’s National Cemetery Administration at 800-535-1117 for information about burial benefits and eligibility .
Who Qualifies for Burial at Elko National Cemetery?
Burial in a VA national cemetery is available to veterans and certain family members who meet eligibility requirements established by federal law.
Veteran Eligibility
To qualify for burial at Elko National Cemetery, a veteran must meet at least one of the following criteria:
Served in the U.S. Armed Forces and received a discharge other than dishonorable
Died while serving on active duty
Served in the National Guard or Reserve and met certain federal service requirements
Spouse and Dependent Eligibility
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityThe following family members may also be eligible for burial:
Spouses of eligible veterans
Surviving spouses who have not remarried
Minor children of eligible veterans
Certain adult children with disabilities
Who Does Not Qualify
Veterans who received a dishonorable discharge
Former spouses who remarried
Family members not meeting dependency requirements
Burial Options at Elko National Cemetery
Elko National Cemetery will accommodate multiple burial options to meet the diverse needs of veterans and their families.
| Burial Type | Description | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Casketed Burial | Traditional full-body interment | Yes |
| In-Ground Cremation | Cremated remains buried in ground | Yes |
| Columbarium Niche | Urn placement in above-ground structure | Yes |
Construction Phases
The cemetery is being constructed in three phases. Each phase will provide an estimated 15 years of burial service . Once the first phase is completed in the coming months, it will include 1,045 gravesites .
Capacity
The cemetery will ultimately serve the burial needs of more than 3,705 veterans, their spouses, and eligible children within a 75-mile radius of Elko .
What Are VA Burial Benefits?
VA burial benefits include more than just a gravesite. Eligible veterans and family members may receive a comprehensive package of memorial benefits at no cost.
Benefits Included at National Cemeteries
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Gravesite | At no cost to the family |
| Opening and Closing of Grave | Provided by VA |
| Grave Liner | Provided by VA |
| Headstone or Marker | Provided by VA |
| Perpetual Care | Maintained by VA in perpetuity |
| Presidential Memorial Certificate | Commemorates honorable service |
| Burial Flag | Provided for the veteran |
| Military Funeral Honors | Available upon request |
Additional Benefits Available
Families may also qualify for:
VA burial allowance to help cover funeral expenses
Headstone or marker for placement in private cemeteries
Burial in a private cemetery with VA-provided headstone
How to Arrange Burial at Elko National Cemetery
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Before making arrangements, confirm eligibility. Call VA’s National Cemetery Administration at 800-535-1117 or visit va.gov for eligibility determination .
Step 2: Contact the Cemetery
Once eligibility is confirmed, contact the cemetery that will provide burial services. Elko National Cemetery is managed by Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California .
Contact Information:
Phone: 707-693-2460
Email: NCASVNC@va.gov
Address: 3602 Jennings Way, Elko, Nevada 89802
Step 3: Provide Required Documentation
Families will need to provide:
DD-214 or other discharge documentation showing honorable service
Death certificate
Marriage certificate (for spouse burial)
Birth certificate (for dependent burial)
Step 4: Schedule Interment
Cemetery staff will coordinate scheduling. Interments at Elko National Cemetery are anticipated to begin in Fall 2026 .
Step 5: Arrange Funeral Honors
Military funeral honors, including flag folding and taps, are available upon request. Contact the cemetery or the veteran’s branch of service for scheduling.
Planning Ahead: Pre-Need Eligibility
What Is Pre-Need Determination?
VA offers a pre-need eligibility determination process that allows veterans to confirm their eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery before the time of need. This service helps families avoid delays and uncertainty during a difficult time.
How to Request Pre-Need Determination
Complete VA Form 40-10007 (Application for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery)
Submit supporting documentation showing military service
Receive written confirmation of eligibility
Why Pre-Need Determination Matters
Having eligibility confirmed in advance helps families:
Avoid delays when arranging burial
Make informed decisions about burial options
Ensure all documentation is in order
The National Cemetery Administration Rural Initiative
Elko National Cemetery is part of the National Cemetery Administration’s Rural Initiative, which began in 2011 to provide access to VA burial benefits for veterans in rural areas .
Purpose of the Rural Initiative
The Rural Initiative addresses the needs of veterans who live in areas without reasonable access to a national or state veterans cemetery. The initiative aims to ensure that veterans can be buried close to their homes and families.
Impact of the Rural Initiative
Elko National Cemetery is the eighth cemetery built under the Rural Initiative . The initiative now provides approximately 170,000 rural veterans with reasonable access to a veterans’ cemetery .
National Access Goals
The VA has set a goal of providing 95% of veterans with reasonable access to a burial option. Currently, just under 94% of veterans nationwide have “reasonable access,” meaning about 77 million veterans live within 75 miles of a national, state, or tribal veterans cemetery .
History of Elko National Cemetery
Early Efforts (2011-2020)
Elko had been under consideration for a veterans cemetery since 2011, when the VA’s Rural Initiative identified the area as in need of a national veterans burial ground .
Legislative Action (2020-2022)
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto introduced the Elko National Cemetery Act in March 2020 and again in 2021, with Senator Rosen’s support, to authorize the land transfer from the Bureau of Land Management to the VA .
In September 2020, Senator Cortez Masto helped secure an agreement from the VA to acquire 15 acres for the cemetery from the city of Elko. The finalized sale was completed in August 2021 .
VA Approval and Funding (2022-2024)
The cemetery was approved in 2022 . The VA purchased the land in 2021, and construction began in 2024 .
In 2023, Senator Rosen secured $553,000 in federal funding to finish building the cemetery .
Dedication (September 2026)
The dedication ceremony was held on September 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM Mountain Time. The event lasted approximately one hour, and the public was invited to attend .
Opening (Late 2026)
When it opens in late 2026, Elko National Cemetery will be the 158th VA cemetery and the second national cemetery opened under the second Trump Administration . Interments are anticipated to begin in Fall 2026 .
Nevada Veterans: Other Available Benefits
In addition to burial benefits, Nevada veterans may qualify for a range of state and federal benefits.
State Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Property Tax Exemption | Available for 100% disabled veterans |
| Vehicle Registration | Reduced fees for veterans |
| Education Benefits | Tuition assistance at state institutions |
| Veteran Employment | State hiring preference |
Federal Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| VA Disability Compensation | Monthly payments for service-connected disabilities |
| VA Healthcare | Medical care at VA facilities |
| GI Bill | Education and training benefits |
| VA Home Loans | Guaranteed home loan program |
| Pension | For wartime veterans with limited income |
What Veterans Should Do Next
Veterans should contact the Nevada Department of Veterans Services or a local Veterans Service Organization to learn about all available benefits. Many benefits require application and documentation.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Assuming burial is automatic: While many veterans qualify, eligibility must be confirmed. Call ahead to verify.
Waiting until the time of need: Pre-need eligibility determination can help families prepare and avoid delays.
Not having DD-214 available: The DD-214 is the primary document for verifying eligibility. Veterans should ensure their family members know where to find it.
Confusing national and state cemeteries: Elko National Cemetery is a VA national cemetery. State veterans cemeteries have separate eligibility and application processes.
Missing out on other benefits: Burial at a national cemetery includes multiple benefits beyond the gravesite. Families should ask about all available options.
Not requesting military funeral honors: These are available but must be requested. Families should coordinate with the funeral home or cemetery.
Assuming all family members qualify: Only spouses and certain dependents qualify for burial in a national cemetery. Verify eligibility before making plans.
Common Questions
1. When will Elko National Cemetery open for interments?
Interments are anticipated to begin in Fall 2026 . The cemetery was dedicated on September 4, 2026, and is expected to open in late 2026 .
2. Who can be buried at Elko National Cemetery?
Eligible veterans, their spouses, and eligible dependent children may be buried at the cemetery. Veterans must have received a discharge other than dishonorable .
3. How do I apply for burial at Elko National Cemetery?
There is no pre-application required for burial. Eligibility is determined at the time of need. Families should call 707-693-2460 or email NCASVNC@va.gov .
4. What documentation is needed for burial?
Families typically need the veteran’s DD-214 or discharge documentation, a death certificate, and documents proving relationship for spouse or dependent burial.
5. Is there a cost for burial at a national cemetery?
There is no cost for the gravesite, opening and closing, grave liner, headstone, or perpetual care. Some costs, such as funeral home services, are not covered.
6. Can I pre-register for burial?
VA offers pre-need eligibility determination. Complete VA Form 40-10007 to confirm eligibility before the time of need.
7. What types of burial options are available?
Elko National Cemetery will accommodate casketed burials, in-ground cremation burials, and urn placements in columbarium niches .
8. How many gravesites will be available?
The first phase will include 1,045 gravesites. Once fully developed, the cemetery will serve over 3,705 veterans and family members .
9. What if I live more than 75 miles from Elko?
The cemetery is designed to serve those within a 75-mile radius. Veterans outside this area may have access to other national or state cemeteries.
10. Are military funeral honors available?
Yes. Military funeral honors, including flag folding and taps, are available upon request. Contact the cemetery or the veteran’s branch of service to arrange.
11. What is the National Cemetery Administration Rural Initiative?
The Rural Initiative, begun in 2011, aims to provide access to VA burial benefits for veterans in rural areas who lack reasonable access to a national or state veterans cemetery .
12. Who manages Elko National Cemetery?
Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California, will have management and oversight of Elko National Cemetery .
Key Takeaways
Elko National Cemetery is Nevada’s first VA national cemetery, dedicated September 4, 2026
The 15.37-acre cemetery will open in late 2026 as the 158th VA cemetery
It will serve over 3,700 veterans, spouses, and eligible children within a 75-mile radius
Burial options include casketed burials, in-ground cremation, and columbarium niches
The first phase will include 1,045 gravesites
VA burial benefits include gravesite, opening and closing, headstone, and perpetual care at no cost
Pre-need eligibility determination is available to confirm eligibility in advance
The cemetery is part of the National Cemetery Administration’s Rural Initiative
Families should call 800-535-1117 for burial benefits information
Military funeral honors are available upon request
Official Resources
VA National Cemetery Administration: cem.va.gov
Elko National Cemetery: 3602 Jennings Way, Elko, Nevada 89802
Cemetery Contact: 707-693-2460 | NCASVNC@va.gov
VA Burial Benefits Hotline: 800-535-1117
VA Pre-Need Eligibility: VA Form 40-10007
USA.gov Veterans Benefits: usa.gov/veterans-benefits
🇺🇸 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Veterans Benefits Information
This site provides general information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for educational and informational purposes only.
- Not Official: We are NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), or any other government agency.
- No Legal/Financial Advice: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. VA benefits rules change frequently – always consult with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or a qualified professional for your specific situation.
- Official Sources: For official, binding information and to apply for benefits, always visit official .gov websites: VA.gov, Benefits.VA.gov, or SSA.gov.
- No Data Collection: This site does not collect, store, or process any personal information. It does not have login forms, contact forms, or any system to capture user data. We never ask for your Social Security Number, bank details, or any personal information.
- 🚨 Scam Alert: The VA and other government agencies never charge fees for benefit applications. If anyone asks for money to "process" your VA claim, it is a scam. Report it to the VA Office of Inspector General at VA.gov/OIG.
- Advertising: This site uses third-party advertising (Adsterra) to cover operational costs. We do not endorse or guarantee any products or services advertised.
📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
